These Interactive Dog Toys Keep Your Pup Busy When You Need It Most

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

To own a dog is to know unconditional love. But for all the fun that dogs can be, they sure can cause a lot of ruckus (potty accidents, chewed slippers, you name it). That's why keeping them entertained and happy is important. Some of the best interactive toys for dogs stimulate a dog's natural instincts, from chewing and digging to licking and chasing.

"Toys can help prevent boredom and your pup from messing up your home if they aren't crate trained," says Jasmine Coffiel, vice president of the Paws of Hope Foundation and a former veterinary technician. According to pet experts, combatting boredom isn't the only thing you need to focus on when shopping for dog toys — knowing their behavior well is important, too. "If you have a large or extra large breed that may be an active chewer, be aware that smaller interactive toys could be swallowed by accident," says Coffiel.

Whether you have a small breed, like a Chihuahua, or a large breed, like a Labrador, this list of the best interactive toys for dogs has all the top recommended products for keeping dogs of all sizes entertained. Check out our finds for the best treat dispensers, chew toys, squeaky toys, puzzles, and more.

Dog Communication Buttons

Ever wonder what's on your dog's mind? Find out with this dog communication starter pack. This kit comes with four buttons. You can record any commands you want and help your dog communicate when he needs to potty, when he's ready for dinner, or when it's time for bed.

Bungee Tug Toy

Larger breeds will love playing with this tether toy that can be set up on any tree in your yard or park. The sling shot action entices your dog to play tug of war and other rough and tumble games.

Robot Interactive Treat Dispenser

A robot treat dispenser? You may have just as much fun with this toy as your dog. Watch as the robot shoots out treats on command. Your dog may just follow it into every room.

Lick Mats

While lick mats are often used for dogs that eat too quickly, they can also be used to stave off anxiety. These lick mats are great for keeping your dog busy while you're away for the afternoon.

3 in 1 Squeaky Dog Toy

Is your dog an aggressive chewer? This 3 in 1 squeaky dog toy is built to last. And once your dog gets through the first layer, there's another fun toy for your dog to destroy, and even one more inside of that.

Crawling Crab Dog Toy

Your dog will love chasing this interactive crab. Flashing lights and sounds keep dogs coming back for more. And, if you have more than one dog, they can both get in on the fun together.

Funnel Dog Chew Toy

This combination puzzle and enrichment chew will keep your pooch busy for hours. Simply insert the accompanying treat and watch your dog figure out how to best lick, bite, and chew the yummy snack.

Long Lasting Dog Pupsicle

This toy is meant to be used with premade Pupscicle pops that are less messy than traditional butters or chews that accompany such enrichment toys. Simply insert the pupscicle and watch as your dog enjoys a special treat. It comes in a variety of sizes based on your dog's weight.

Enrichment Snuffle Crinkle Treat Puzzle Toy

Fill up the pockets of these cute potato chips and watch your dog's natural instinct to sniff and dig come to life. Suitable for small, medium, or large dogs.

FABLE Treat Dispensing Dog Toy

Fable pet toys are modern and sleek, so they look good in any home, and this treat dispenser is a great example of what the company offers. The product has a weighted bottom, and irregular movements entice a dog to interact and play.

Natural Rubber Enrichment Toy

This durable enrichment toy is meant to be filled with peanut butter or bully sticks to keep your dog entertained for about one hour. The best part? It's dishwasher safe.

Squeaky Treat Dispensing Dog Enrichment Toy

This hide-and-seek treat-dispensing toy is meant to mentally stimulate your dog and keep boredom at bay. Fill each pocket with dog food or treats and see how long it takes them to figure out the pattern.

Self Fetch Squeaker Toy

If you have a fetch-obsessed dog, they'll love this squeaker toy that allows them to fetch time and again without the help of their owner. The slick base allows the toy to glide on hard surfaces, activating your dog's instinct to chase.

Sniff and Seek Game for Dogs

Hunting dogs love a good fame a hide and seek. Target your dog's natural instincts and test the strength of his sniffer with this scent finding game.

Snuffle Mat Dog Feeding Mat

Great for nose training and slowing down how quickly your pup eats, this feeding mat which encourages them to sniff out hidden treats is large, durable, and non-slip. "This is one of my favorite mats," said Coffiel. "It will keep your fur babies entertained and comfy when they're home alone."

Adjustable Treat Dispensing Ball

The ability to adjust the difficulty on this easy-to-clean treat ball when your dog figures out how to roll it in order to get the treats out makes it both mentally and physically stimulating. According to Coffiel, it's "one of the best budget-friendly options around!"

Smart Bone

Your smart pup will love playing with this interactive smart bone toy with or without you. Need to keep your pup busy while you're doing work? Set it to automatic. Ready to spend some quality time with your fur baby? Use the app to control it like an automatic car. With sound and a long battery life, it'll keep any size breed busy for as long as you need.

Hide and Seek Chipmunk Log Toy

If your furry friend loves chasing squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits... pretty much anything with a tail, they'll adore this hide-and-seek toy. Both sturdy and durable — though not recommended for aggressive chewers — they'll finally get to "catch" their wild friends when they dig them out of the log.

Auto Moving Rubber Chew Toy

Looking for a heavy-duty dog toy for your pup? This is the one you should run to pick up immediately. It has two modes — shaking with vibration mode and bouncing with rolling mode — and as many reviewers noted, dogs can't get enough of it.

Automatic Rolling Ball Toy

It's no secret that dogs love to play with moving items and with this automatic rolling ball toy, they'll be able to do it all day long. Bonus: The rolling with bouncing mode and the active bouncing ball mode will attract them, too.

Wi-Fi Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser

If you're one of the many people who love to look at their pup all day long, this wifi pet camera that doubles as a treat dispenser will be a treat for both of you. You'll be able to toss their treat in a short, medium, or long distance automatically all while telling them how much you love them through the screen. And, as reviewers have noted, setup is as easy as can be.

Automatic Moving Dog Toy

Perfect for medium to large dogs who aren't aggressive chewers, this is one toy that will grab their attention at first glance. "My puppy remains engaged playing with the bone, it’s rechargeable, and the customer support stands by its product," one reviewer wrote.

Interactive Doggie Tail

Every dog loves a squeaky toy and with more than 25,000 ratings on Amazon, this one that does that plus more is a definite add-to-cart. It wiggles, vibrates, and barks and is an ideal toy to increase exercise for small, medium, and large dogs of all ages. "It's the perfect toy for your dog," began one review. "It is not an annoying product. It only vibrates on and off when your dog plays with it and it's not too sensitive so you don't have to worry about over-exhausting your dog. The battery case needs a screw which it didn't come with, so when the toy falls the batteries get loose. overall, great product."

Zeus the Bulldog Interactive Toy

This plush playmate will keep your dog on its toes as it barks, shakes, and rolls in an unpredictable pattern. It works on many surface types including carpet, grass, and gravel so is great for keeping them busy at home or the park. One caveat: "If your dog likes to chew toys more than play then the plush covering may take a beating," wrote a reviewer.

Wobbler Interactive Treat Dispensing Toy

Available in both small and large sizing, this simple treat-dispensing toy will keep playful pups entertained. One reviewer said their two dogs "spend ages with them instead of trashing through the house whilst play fighting." It's ideal for average chewers of all breed sizes and is easy to fill with multiple sizes of treats.

Tug-A-Jug Meal-Dispensing Toy

Looking to slow down your pup's feeding time? This interactive dog toy is perfect for overly eager eaters. Made with textured natural material that cleans teeth and gums and durable non-toxic material for prolonged use, you'll be able to provide multi-sensory stimulation while keeping your 10-40 pound pup busy for as long as you need.

"I got it to slow my already large puppy, down when he eats. It’s great but make [sure] you're cleaning the inside regularly. Plastic is also sturdy. When my puppy gets annoyed with it he chews on the plastic and it’s held up well," one review read.

Automatic Dog Ball Launcher

Mid-size and larger breeds will love this automatic dog ball launcher and the best part is, it can be used both indoors or outdoors. It's operated by remote control and has multiple speed options that suit your dog's needs.

Digging Dog Toy

This interactive treat mat will help satisfy your dog's natural inclination to dig. Equipped with loads of pockets to fill with treats or toys, it's guaranteed to give them a good time. "My two Dalmatians love this toy. They are large enough to throw it around a bit but so far it seems to be holding up. The mats can be removed for cleaning and to rearrange. Really happy with this purchase!" a reviewer wrote.

What to look for when shopping for interactive dog toys

Size: Stay away from toys that are inappropriate for your dog's size, advises Coffiel. "So, for example, if your dog is an extra large breed, don't get a toy that's too small for them because it could potentially get lodged in their throat."

Safety: Although squeaky toys are a favorite of many dogs, you'll want to monitor your fur friends when they're playing with one. Dogs are curious and will probably be on the hunt for the noise-maker to destroy it. As a result, they could ingest the squeaker if left unsupervised.

Activity Level: If your dog prefers to lounge and isn't filled with energy, getting them a toy that requires a heightened amount of movement may not be for them. As Coffiel noted previously, knowing your dog will save you a lot of time and money when looking for the perfect interactive dog toy.

FAQ

My dog has sensitive gums. What kind of toys should I get? Plush or soft chew toys will be gentler on sensitive gums.

How can I choose the right toy for my dog? Every pup is different, so it's important to know your pup's preferences and play patterns to determine this. Are they active chewers? Do they need comfort and security? Do they like to play fetch? Take these things into consideration and purchase accordingly.

Can I use the same toy for all of my dogs? Letting your dogs use the same toy poses no problem in most cases. If they are of different sizes and breeds, however, you need to make sure that you are giving each separate toys that are individually appropriate.

You Might Also Like

• Oprah’s Favorite Things Of 2022 Is Here—Gift These 20 Amazing Finds This Year

• 40 Best Sentimental Gift Ideas for Loved Ones

• Jennifer Aniston‘s Secret to Glowy Skin On-Screen